Things to consider when deciding on a theme for a cake smash session.

Trying to decide between themes and simplicity for a cake smash session? Here are some things to consider without going overboard:

1. Focus on the Your Child’s Interests

• Choose a theme based on what the birthday child loves—animals, colors, or favorite characters. This keeps the decor meaningful and takes the pressure off you to come up with something creative. It will also have more meaning when you look back at the photos.

2. Decor

• A few key decorations instead of a full-on theme is my personal favorite way to go. Consider florals, balloons, or other non themed decorations.

3. Colors

• Keep it simple with a color palette. Monochromatic sets (all one color or different shades of a color) photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby. Not the set.

4. Activities

• Plan simple games or activities that everyone can enjoy, focusing on interaction rather than big setups. Babies love bubbles, baths, messy foods, etc.

5. Keep It Short

• Babies and toddlers can get overstimulated. Keep the cake smash session short, allowing for a few fun moments without fatigue. Usually around 45 minutes to an hour little ones have had enough.

6. Personal Touches

• Items with sentimental value are a sweet way to celebrate baby’s first birthday without a cake smash theme. In the past, families have brought in family heirlooms such as clothes, baptismal gowns, photographs, and jewelry.

7. The Cake

• We supply the cake for your cake smash session from Honey Bee Bakery in Medina. The cake is the centerpiece of the cake smash set. A good bakery will put the polish touch on your photos.

8. Family Participation

• We LOVE family photos at our photography studio. Cake smash sessions are no exception! I find that starting with family photos helps warm your little one up to us- stranger danger is alive and well at this age. They always feel safe and comfortable starting out in your arms.

The main goal is to celebrate the baby with a session to document this stage in life. Sometimes, less truly is more when it comes to deciding on a theme for a cake smash session.